Adult community learning at Bath College: Snap and Stroll photographers capture local scenery

The chance to learn photography has led to new friendships for students taking part in the Snap and Stroll project. 

Participants in Radstock, Somerset, have spent eight weeks exploring their town, taking photographs and meeting people who share the same interests.

Led by Sally Collister, from In the Picture Participatory Photography, the course is organised by the Adult Community Learning team at Bath College. The students’ work will go on show at the Swallow Community Café in Radstock on Tuesday April 11.

The project follows on from a successful pilot project in Bath last year. It is a collaboration between Bath College, Creativity Works and the Wellbeing College, and includes those who are experiencing or in recovery from anxiety, depression and mental health challenges.

Kathleen Maitland, from Radstock, has been taking part in the project. She said: “I enjoyed the course from day one. Sally has been amazing, she’s very patient and has gone into as much depth allowed within the time.

“When I’m out walking I view things so differently. It’s made me more aware of my surroundings. We get along well as a group, there’s a lot of laughter and encouragement – it’s important to encourage each other.

“I’m going through a difficult period in life, and this course has helped me to meet people so I don’t feel isolated. When you’re taking photographs, you get out and about and you see life going on.”

Katie Constantine, from Bath College, is helping curate the exhibition, which will feature some well-known scenes, as well as fresh perspectives on everyday places.

Sally, who set up In the Picture Participatory Photography in 2015, said: “I have been delighted and very impressed by how far the participants have come with their photography.

“We’ve put together a cracking exhibition. I’ve had so much fun facilitating these sessions and will miss my weekly visits to Radstock.”

The exhibition opens with a reception on Tuesday April 11th from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. It will be open at the Swallow Community Café, Church Street, until April 28th (between 11am to 3pm).